San Ysidro Border I-5 — Local services in Baja California

It was our first time driving to Mexico. Going into Mexico was very fast and easy, we only made a quick stop for a picture and off we went,no passport or any type of verification was required.

Coming back into the US was not the same. We were in line for about 3 to 4 hours waiting to get back in, but we didn't mind, there were so many people selling food, souvenirs, lots of other things. We had fun waiting because although we were in the car there was a lot to do and eat (people only take cash, Mexican Pesos and US dollars)We didn't have to use the restroom but I recommend using a restroom before getting I line as I didn't know of any restrooms available.

Getting through security was fast, my boyfriend had forgotten his passport but with his liscence he was able to get in with no problem.

Update* I went for the 2nd time, and it was a completely different story. I never thought this could happen but it did, coming back in to the US, we accidentally went into the Sentri lanes, which we learned are fast lanes for people who carry a special permit, and those who use this lanes without the permit could face a fine of $5,000. When we realized we were in the wrong lanes we tried to get out, but it was nearly impossible. Someone noticed what we were trying to do and asked if everything was ok, the driver of our car desperately trying to get out opened the window and explained to this complete stranger what was going on. The stranger offered to help and called someone else, he said he would open space so we could get out, but not before we gave the. $1000, at first they offered to help, but slowly starting asking for money, when we told them we would not give them anything they threatened to call a tow truck and tow the car. A different guy came and claimed to be working as a Mexican guard, who he claimed had the power to turn of cameras, and get us out of there but we had to comply. I told them we would take the $5000 fine if it came down to it, that we didn't need their help, but he demanded money or belongings we had. He and some other guy were blocking our car from moving and we felt helpless. We had two kids with us, and we knew we were being robbed, not knowing what this guys could do to us we were trying to comply and offered $100, but they demanded more. A guy escorted me and the driver to the ATM for money. I was able to lie and only got the $100 claiming that's all we had, but he kept insisting for more. He was getting angrier and angrier, and he kept threatening us by saying things will get worse. Eventually two guys left and the driver quickly got in between two cars. But the guys returned and demanded we followed a guy that would take us to a safe place, but we refused. The guy tried to keep intimidating us by telling us we would get detained by US customs, but we insisted we would not move and we would assume any consequences at the border.

During this time, this two guys prohibited us from using our phones, and demanded we turned of the car.

Thinking back at this whole situation it could all have been avoided. Don't talk to strangers, and don't ask for help, even the vendors help scam people, during this time we save a skinny woman telling the same guys there was a car who needed to get out.

Also, if you happen to end up in this lanes and it's the first time, they give you a warning and no fine. I would take a fat fine before dealing with this scammers again. Stay safe! Don't fall for this scams, take your chances with the US agents...

Okay, what should I start with? Drivers cutting you off just because they think it's no biggie? Or having to wait 2+ hours just because everyone finds it appealing to flock to SD and stay there? I'm going to have to say BOTH!!!

One time, I thought going through the all traffic lines would work (since the Ready Lane lines were up to the General Hospital). Well, what do you know. I only got to move by one car every seven minutes!

And that's not all. Stupid (and incompetent) drivers continued to cut me off, which only made the wait even worse. By the time I reached the port, it was almost 10 freaking PM!!

With an already exploding population, expect this whole to get to the point where one must wait at least ten hours just to get back home. The current picture right now is hideous, but my hopes are that when the whole thing becomes uncontrollable, they'll have to close the border...

If you decide to use this border crossing make sure that you have the app that will give you the times for border crossings. There is a version 4 Mac and there is a version for Android. It is free and it works well. Coming from Ensenada, the signs for the border crossing at San Ysidro are very clear. This is a great improvement over what it used to be. Be prepared for a lot of confusion and a lot of people trying to sell you something or people begging. This includes very small children and people sitting on the road so you have to pay a lot of attention. Be prepared to stay in line for quite a while. Your other option is to go to Tecate. This is about an hour to an hour and 1/4 Drive Inland and then a simpler border crossing but then you have to come back out to the coast. The total time is about the same but it is a lot less annoying to go...